Service Prioritisation - Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the idea for this programme come from?
When our budget was approved in 2025, our Integrated Joint Board (IJB) members asked us to develop a more strategic approach to managing our budget. Given the significant population changes in Glasgow, it is timely that we review all services to ensure they are fit for the future and meet current and emerging needs of our citizens. This programme will provide a unique opportunity to redesign services using the same approach. It is hoped that this will also identify efficiencies to address the projected budget gap of 5% over the next few years. This may involve incorporating digital innovations, changing delivery models or reconfiguring teams.
Why is the Green Book methodology being used?
This is an established method developed by HM Treasury to ensure best value for public money. The approach considers strategic fit, affordability and deliverability to identify a preferred option for each service area.
What are the possible outcomes of the review?
Review outcomes are:
- enhance - additional investment, where there is evidence of good outcomes
- maintain - continued investment at the same level, which may include a different approach to service delivery
- reduce - reduced investment and implementation plan to achieve this
- cease - discontinue service, though it is expected that this will only be in a minority of cases
Who will make a final decision about the outcome of each review?
An Executive Steering Group has been established, chaired by our Chief Officer, with representation from Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and the third and independent sector. All recommendations will be subject to approval by this group, with the option of escalation to IJB at the discretion of the Chief Officer. The outcome of all the reviews will be published, when finalised.
What is expected of me?
We are running workshops to understand current services and their strategic fit with the IJB’s priorities. You are being asked to assist the service review lead to fully understand your service, both directly through participation in workshops, and by providing background information and data. Workshop groups will explore possible options for delivering services that meet projected demand, and these options will be assessed against a set of criteria (Critical Success Factors). This will generate a short list that will be subject to further analysis (Benefit-Cost Ratios, risks and impact etc.) to identify the preferred option, with the optimal net public value.
What influence do the workshop participants have?
The workshops are a key mechanism for generating options for future service delivery, that are fit for the future and meet projected population demand. The options developed in the workshops will go forward for a viability check from the Finance Team (and Commissioning, if appropriate) and will then be assessed against the Critical Success Factors for the project. This is a critical stage for sharing your views about how services could be designed for the future.
What if my job is changing?
The approved option may involve changes to some roles, e.g. line management reporting, processes or practice, and these changes will be supported in line with our existing workforce change procedures. As we are working through the potential changes, we will also be identifying opportunities and challenges at the earliest point to ensure that if you are affected, you fully understand the impacts and mitigations, including any opportunities and alternative options. Appropriate retraining programmes will be developed to support affected staff to transition or change roles, as required.
What if my service is ending?
We expect that this outcome will only apply to a small proportion of the reviews. In these circumstances, organisational change procedures will be followed in the usual way. We will ensure that staff fully understand the implications, including any opportunities and alternative options.
How are trade unions being involved?
Trade union representatives are being invited to the workshops and are also being consulted via existing governance structures, including the Staff Partnership Forum and Programme Boards.
How are service users being involved?
Service users will be invited to appropriate workshops to help to develop options for future service delivery. Alternative ways to get involved in the process will be offered, based on their needs and preferences, e.g. via an interview, workshop, survey or through representation from carers, representatives, third sector and independent organisations.
What if I have questions or ideas about my service?
We have a Communications and Engagement Plan which outlines our aims, and all our engagement events. We are conducting a rolling programme of staff engagement events, with the first having taken place in November 2025 and a second in March 2026. Following feedback, we are running online and in person events to ensure you have the opportunity to attend.
We are encouraging staff to share questions and ideas by using our online form.
Some staff have signed up to join the Staff Reference Group, chaired by our Chief Officer, and aims to explore feedback about the programme to help us to develop our approach, and to test some of the materials we are producing to guide the process.
If you are interested in joining, please complete our Expression of Interest form.
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